We had a drink and Sir Alex was very complimentary. He said we deserved to win and that was a massive compliment to us

Wigan boss Roberto Martinez

Manchester United’s march to a 20th title slowed with defeat by Wigan at the DW Stadium last week.

Wigan hadn’t taken a point from United in 14 previous encounters.

And boss Martinez said: “We had a drink and Sir Alex was very complimentary. He said we deserved to win and that was a massive compliment to us.

“What Sir Alex means in world football is quite unique and quite special. Remember, our record against Manchester United wasn’t good reading.

“It was real satisfaction when you see someone of the stature of Sir Alex saying that Wigan deserved to win.

“He was very impressed with our ­performance but he knows that every game in this league is completely different.

“If we could play with that approach, though, every game we have a great chance to get the points we need. But we now have to play different types of games.Arsenal away, Fulham, Newcastle, Wolves and Blackburn. All of them are going to be difficult games.”

After getting one over on United boss Ferguson, Spaniard Martinez, 38, now comes face to face with another of his idols in Arsene Wenger.

He said: “He’s a great role model for anyone in the game because of the job he’s done at Arsenal.

“It’s the way he’s got his teams playing – the way he’s got the football club to those great standards with great integrity.

“His philosophy is something I admire.

“He has given Arsenal stability over the years. What a great balance with value for money. Sometimes we feel that you have to spend big money to buy trophies.

“That’s the way to do it. But there is another way and that’s to invest in characters, good young potential players and developing them.

“He’s been a master in doing that. I was born in Spain and I always admire the possession game and influence of Barcelona.

“The philosophy of Dutch football was important. Barcelona have a philosophy of the game I admire. That’s something I have always found fascinating.

“But the Premier League is the best league in the world because of the different styles you have got. That means anyone can beat ­anyone on their day.”